CARE India to fetch relief in cyclone-hit Tamil Nadu

Published: Saturday, January 7, 2012, 17:26 [IST]

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Chennai, Jan 7: After the devastating cyclone ravaged the coastal Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry on Dec 30, 2011, CARE India, a renowned humanitarian NGO has planned to reach out to 20,000 most vulnerable families in Cuddalore district.

“As an immediate relief measure, CARE is providing the affected families with essentials like tarpaulins, candles, matchboxes as well as floor mats and hygiene kits, especially focusing on pregnant mothers and adolescent girls” said Dr. Muhammad Musa, CEO, CARE India.

It wreak havoc in the state, flattened a large number of homes and buildings. So, the NGO have thought for the reconstruction plan.

“Our aim is to reach out to 20,000 most vulnerable families (dalits, tribals, physically challenged and households run by widows) immediately. Once this immediate crisis is managed, CARE will devote its energies to building shelters for the severely affected starting with 100-150 low-cost houses." Adding to that, Musa said that CARE India had also worked for the affected people of Tsunami. The organisation had provided livelihoods, education and health services to them.

“We know the people and topography of Tamil Nadu very well, a fact which has allowed us to launch major initiatives to mitigate the suffering of those devastated by Cyclone Thane,” said Dr Musa.

“The need of the hour is to provide shelter, electricity and clean water to the survivors of the colossal tragedy. Besides essentials like tarpaulins and candles, we are also distributing a hygiene kit with the basics such as shampoo, toothpaste, towels, and sanitary napkins, minimum household needs for people who have lost everything” said R Devaprakash, the state director for CARE in Tamil Nadu.

Dr. Musa said “to overcome this disaster, CARE looks to work with the people on a long-term basis to help them with low cost housing.”

He even requested the individuals and members of civil society to donate for the affected families.

“While we will pool in our resources, we must reach out for funds from various stakeholders who have helped so many in the past by donating to worthwhile causes,” he added.